Family Guy often lampoons public figures with no mercy as a matter of course. After the emergence of Caitlyn Jenner, a 2009 episode of the show came under the spotlight. The episode featured Stewie calling Jenner a “beautiful, elegant Dutch woman” who gave birth to Brody Jenner. In a different clip, Jenner danced with a pink boa for the troops. People wondered whether this episode predicted Jenner’s transition. Stewie’s remark could have been a throwaway joke, but the provocative dancing clip is much more blatant.
Seth MacFarlane knows how to dodge follow-up questions from journalists. HuffPo participated in a Ted 2 conference call. When asked the Jenner jokes, Seth was smart enough not to bite:
Seth MacFarlane said he’s “too savvy to comment on the issue to the media.” He explained, “Once the outrage industry shuts down, I will be happy to have an adult conversation about all of this stuff anytime anyone wants, but, even though I’m on the side of support, I just don’t think there’s any way to … you just got to play it safe because the climate is just too charged. Anything I say can and will be used against me.”
The comedian added, “My philosophy is live and let live, and if something makes someone happy, and they’re able to do it — as long as it isn’t hurting anybody — live and let live.”
MacFarlane also spoke about the hot topic of political incorrectness in comedy. In an interesting move, MacFarlane said, “Nobody sets out to — at least I don’t — nobody sets out to offend or shock for the sake of shocking. You set out to get laughs.” MacFarlane believes the public is fine with most of his jokes, and the media is guilty of generating “perceived outrage.” (via HuffPo)
Here’s a refresher clip from the Family Guy Jenner episode.
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